Google Stands Behind HTC in Patent Dispute With Apple

[Chupa Chupa]

I think the issue people have is with the hypocrisy. Apple doesn't want to pay for the GSM patent so Nokia sues and they are call patent trolls, etc... Apple sues HTC for competing (quite well I might add) and Apple is praised. So which is it? Either going after people infringing on your patents is bad or it's good. It can't be both.

Hypocrisy? Since when is business about valor? Get real. Companies posture to the position that benefits them at the given time. Don't expect consistency.

There are only so many ways you can make and configure a cell phone. There are bound to be similarities between phones. In fact, the majority of cell phones are just spin-offs of each other and we don't see widespread lawsuits.

And that is why there is a patent court (US Court for Federal Appeals) to sort out who has a legit claim and who does not.

To your other point, the majority of cell phones use technology that is properly licensed. That is why you don't find lawsuits.

 

[ShiftyPig]

Get ready for a Maps-less iPhone.

And that is why there is a patent court (US Court for Federal Appeals) to sort out who has a legit claim and who does not.

Two your other point, the majority of cell phones use technology that is properly licensed. That is why you don't find lawsuits.

Is it not Apple that didn't want to play that game in the first place?

 

[lilo777]

The special relationship between Apple and Google gets unhealthier every day!

Oh, it's still special. Just different kind of special

 

[atomwork]

Looking at Google's growth history over the past decade they just were smart in acquiring other tech companies. Apple has enough cash to do the same. Be Bold. Think Different. It's a big business and companies ain't playing fair.

I use apple more then google. Don't care if I have yahoo search. I don't use google maps or gmail. There are other options.

 

[cmaier]

And that is why there is a patent court (US Court for Federal Appeals) to sort out who has a legit claim and who does not.

Too your other point, the majority of cell phones use technology that is properly licensed. That is why you don't find lawsuits.

US District Courts hear patent cases. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit only hears appeals of those cases. Supreme Court is the final level of appeal. Few cases make it to the Court of Appeals.

 

[3460169]

...
Apple is not known for trying to stifle competition through patent suits. Nor would they have any reason to engage in such behaviour.

Of course, because there is no competition.

Kidding aside, they may not be intentionally trying to stifle competition but a kick to competition's ass is clearly a possible byproduct of this quarrel. Apple has every right to defend their assets, as does anyone else, but this does not detract from the truth that patent suits are often an ugly, smelly skid mark on the underpants of healthy competition.

I personally could care less so long as overall innovation (by Apple, Google, or anyone) isn't slowed or otherwise hindered. Patent suits by Company XYZ often come off as being a compensation for XYZ's failure to innovate (*cough*Nokia*cough*). Apple is known for being innovative; it would be a sad sad day if they ever went the route of XYZ.

Anyway I hope they aren't any less busy on iPhone4!

 

[Achiever]

Good stuff Google.

Apple should have had the balls to take it directly to them.

I haven't reviewed the Complaint, but if the patent violations being alleged are based on hardware patents, then HTC is the proper party as Google only supplies the software.

I also like the idea of going after the Google partner instead of Google from Apple's perspective. Essentially, you send notice that if you partner with a company - here Google - which turns out a product similar to ours, you will be up against us, our attorneys and our $40 billion cash reserves. I don't necessarily think it will cost Google partnerships, but it may certainly make some smaller or less financially secure companies think twice about partnering with them in order to avoid the wrath of Apple.

 

[guerro]

How is protecting one's patent thwarting competition? If inventors didn't have limited exclusive rights to their works there would less incentive to innovate. We'd all be riding horse and cooking our fresh kill deer on an open flame and sending messages out via smoke puffs.

Read what I wrote again. Then read Webster's Dictionary:

Main Entry: 1thwart
Pronunciation: \ˈthwȯrt\
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English thwerten, from thwert, adverb
Date: 13th century

1 a : to run counter to so as to effectively oppose or baffle : contravene b : to oppose successfully : defeat the hopes or aspirations of
2 : to pass through or across
synonyms see frustrate

I didn't say "thwart competition" I said "thwart the competition".

 

[Erwin-Br]

Hypocrisy? Since when is business about valor? Get real. Companies posture to the position that benefits them at the given time. Don't expect consistency.

Of course businesses aren't about valor. But that doesn't mean their actions don't provoke a reaction from the general public. From their customers.

Don't expect people to look at things like this from a business perspective. They're customers, not Apple board directors.

 

[cumanzor]

Microsoft should back HTC as well. Their smartphones are the only reason that windows mobile still alive

Haha, you are totally right. Is there any word around the HD2 getting an upgrade to WM 7 (or whatever it is called now) or getting Android on it? That's one seriously good looking little ****.

 

[tac22]

So i guess these are the big risks apple said they were going to take with all their money...

i see a clouded future... or is that just cloud computing​

 

[guzhogi]

There are only so many ways you can make and configure a cell phone. There are bound to be similarities between phones. In fact, the majority of cell phones are just spin-offs of each other and we don't see widespread lawsuits.

We really don't want one major mobile OS, do we? If it wasn't for competition to dive innovation, then we would be sending out smoke puffs.

I think the patent system should be reformed. Most of those IT patents, such as interface solutions, are utter bs and should not allowed.

I agree. In order for cell phones (and all matters of technology) to interoperable, there are only so many ways one can change them. While I agree that whoever made an invention should be compensated for their work, they shouldn't be greedy. I know "greedy" is a very subjective term, so don't flame me, please.

 

[ChazUK]

I haven't reviewed the Complaint, but if the patent violations being alleged are based on hardware patents, then HTC is the proper party as Google only supplies the software.

From what I've read the patents are software and hardware based so there is remit to take things to Google.

If it does happen, we'll have to wait and see!

 

[roxygal9]

So does this include like the Droid too. I know it uses the android system though not part of HTC line. I use android OS everyday, its no where near like iphone os, it has its kinks but they are being worked on. Not sure why Apple would sue, they are wasting there time IMHO, they need to focus on producing up to date products!

 

[kobewankenobi]

TechCrunch reports that a Google spokesperson issued a statement yesterday indicating that the company will "stand behind" handset manufacturer HTC in its patent dispute with Apple.Apple's lawsuits against HTC have been seen primarily as an attack on Google's Android operating system, for which HTC is the largest handset manufacturer. Throughout the legal filings related to the Apple's lawsuits, the company distinguishes between alleged infringements by HTC's Android-based handsets and its Windows Mobile-based devices, suggesting that the Android operating system itself is a defining characteristic of at least one class of infringing devices.Apple's suit filed in U.S. District Court in Delaware seeks an injunction against infringement of Apple's patents by HTC, as well as triple damages and maximum interest as determined by a jury. Meanwhile, Apple's complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission seeks a halt to imports of a number of HTC handsets, a common tactic used by parties in patent disputes to encourage resolution.

Article Link: Google Stands Behind HTC in Patent Dispute With Apple

it s about freaking time apple protects itself.
Copyright, patents, have to be protected
too many iphone like devices popped up
Apple invested billions in the development of iphone if someone is using apple patents without permission has to stop or pay for it

that of course is true for apple too, i dont know what's up with nokia but if apple is using nokia patents apple has to pay, as simple as that

 

[ChazUK]

So does this include like the Droid too. I know it uses the android system though not part of HTC line. I use android OS everyday, its no where near like iphone os, it has its kinks but they are being worked on. Not sure why Apple would sue, they are wasting there time IMHO, they need to focus on producing up to date products!

The HTC Droid Eris was mentioned but as the Droid is by Motorola, it isn't included.

 

[baleensavage]

I think the patent system should be reformed. Most of those IT patents, such as interface solutions, are utter bs and should not allowed.

My feelings exactly. Many of these tech companies, Apple included, just send out patent applications for any old idea that someone on their staff comes up with, whether it has merit or not. I'm sure for any of this cell phone stuff you can probably find dozens of patents that all do a variation of the same thing by different companies. It's why these cases take years and rarely ever get any type of decent resolution. If there was tighter control of exactly what you can and can't patent, then you might see tech companies actually protecting their intellectual property instead of companies using the court system to get in what amounts to a large-scale pissing match.

 

[hitekalex]

Apple is slowly turning into an evil empire. Everything people have loathed about Microsoft - is now turning true with Apple. Going after a small smartphone company in an attempt to quash the competitive mobile OS is major step towards eventual 'Microsoft-like' fate for Apple.

Will Shipley said it very well in his recent open letter to Apple:

"If Apple becomes a company that uses its might to quash competition instead of using its brains, it's going to find the brainiest people will slowly stop working there. You know this, you watched it happen at Microsoft. Enforcing patents isn't a good long-term play: it's the beginning of the end of the creative Apple we both love."

I am officially done with Apple i-products.

 

[twilson]

I think the issue people have is with the hypocrisy. Apple doesn't want to pay for the GSM patent so Nokia sues

Do a bit of fact checking. Apple does want to pay for GSM patents from Nokia. They want to pay the same license fee as everyone else has to (which Nokia is obliged to do, as their patents were considered as part of a standard).

Apple have acknowledged that they need Nokia's patents. But Nokia is trying to get more money, and a cross-licensing deal, which they don't have any right to.

 

[NakedPaulToast]

I haven't reviewed the Complaint, but if the patent violations being alleged are based on hardware patents, then HTC is the proper party as Google only supplies the software.

I also like the idea of going after the Google partner instead of Google from Apple's perspective. Essentially, you send notice that if you partner with a company - here Google - which turns out a product similar to ours, you will be up against us, our attorneys and our $40 billion cash reserves. I don't necessarily think it will cost Google partnerships, but it may certainly make some smaller or less financially secure companies think twice about partnering with them in order to avoid the wrath of Apple.

Why would anybody think this is a good thing?

Yes, if a company infringes on another's IP they should fear a law suit. But simply creating a similar product does not necessarily mean any kind of IP infringement.

 

[ddubbo]

Haha, you are totally right. Is there any word around the HD2 getting an upgrade to WM 7 (or whatever it is called now) or getting Android on it? That's one seriously good looking little ****.

Not Android, for my sorry. I red that their CEO said something like "we're interested to maintain Windows Mobile and want a special phone (HD2) provided exclusively for this platform"

 

[ShiftyPig]

I don't see why Apple is stirring up the bee's nest when they can't even come to terms with Nokia to use the GSM standard. It's going to be a huge bummer when Apple has to make an iPhone that can't place phone calls.

it s about freaking time apple protects itself.
Copyright, patents, have to be protected
too many iphone like devices popped up
Apple invested billions in the development of iphone if someone is using apple patents without permission has to stop or pay for it

that of course is true for apple too, i dont know what's up with nokia but if apple is using nokia patents apple has to pay, as simple as that

But the general consensus here is that Nokia - the Nokia who sells more than three times as many phones as Apple - is a patent troll, therefore Apple should be able to steal their patents.

 

[TMay]

Apple is slowly turning into an evil empire. Everything people have loathed about Microsoft - is now turning true with Apple. Going after a small smartphone company in an attempt to quash the competitive mobile OS is major step towards eventual 'Microsoft-like' fate for Apple.

Will Shipley said it very well in his recent open letter to Apple:



I am officially done with Apple i-products.

Guess you don't need to waste anymore time around here...

 

[kobewankenobi]

Apple is slowly turning into an evil empire. Everything people have loathed about Microsoft - is now turning true with Apple. Going after a small smartphone company in an attempt to quash the competitive mobile OS is major step towards eventual 'Microsoft-like' fate for Apple.

Will Shipley said it very well in his recent open letter to Apple:



I am officially done with Apple i-products.

bye bye
i guess this comes from someone that never bought a software but just downloaded everything off internet right?
cause this is the same way of thinking
when million / billions of dollars are spent in research to come up with something new and it gets copyrighted, patented etc; everyone else that wants to use the same copyright, patent, etc has to ask permission or pay
is that simple

 

[hexor]

It appears none of you people complaining about Apple have ever patented anything yourself. Why should Apple spend the money and resources to figure out what makes a great smartphone and then simply allow anyone else to copy it? How is this stifling competition or innovation?? Apple is actually doing them a favor and forcing them to 1) either pay Apple for using their ideas or 2) come up with something innovative themselves! Wouldn't forcing other manufacturers to come up with ideas on their own make for healthier competition? Do we want a world of nothing but iPhone look-a-likes?